Next-Generation Pharmacist™ Awards Program Announces 2011 Finalists

DURHAM, N.C., June 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Parata Systems and Pharmacy Times have announced the finalists for the second annual Next-Generation Pharmacist awards. The 2011 program, honoring pharmacists who define the future of the industry across a wide range of practice settings, attracted nearly 350 nominations from across the country.

This year's finalists include pharmacist innovators, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians across 11 distinct categories. The program introduced the "Long-Term Care Pharmacist of the Year" and the "Military Pharmacist of the Year" categories in 2011.

A panel of esteemed judges—pharmacy thought leaders in their own right—chaired by Pharmacy Times Editor-in-Chief, Fred M. Eckel, RPh, MS, selected three finalists for each category, with four finalists in the Lifetime Achievement Category as a result of a tie. These finalists represent a true cross-section of the industry—from large chain retailers and independent pharmacies to military health clinics and educational institutions in 23 different states.

One winner from the pharmacist categories will also receive the program's highest honor—"2011 Next-Generation Pharmacist." This award recognizes a licensed pharmacist who embodies the highest standards of patient care, management and operations, while demonstrating an uncompromising vision for the pharmacy industry.

"We really saw the program grow this year with the exceptional nominations we received," said Eckel.

Each finalist will be profiled on Pharmacy Times' website and also will be spotlighted in the July 2011 issue of the publication. Finalists are currently listed at www.nextgenerationpharmacist.com, where guests can reserve tickets for the annual awards event, as well as at www.PharmacyTimes.com.  

This year's gala will be held at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston on August 29, concurrent with the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Pharmacy & Technology Conference.

"The JFK Presidential Library is a perfect place to recognize these amazing pharmacists, given all that Kennedy stood for and now symbolizes," said Tom Rhoads, CEO of Parata Systems.

Other event information, including sponsorship opportunities, can be found on Facebook (Next-Generation Pharmacist) and Twitter (@nextgenpharm), as well as on www.PharmacyTimes.com.

About Parata Systems

Durham, NC-based Parata Systems, LLC, was founded in 2001, and offers industry-leading technology that improves consumer safety and convenience at key touch points in the circle of pharmacy care: fill, serve and adhere. Parata Max® and Mini® automate prescription dispensing with high-speed and accuracy; Parata APM® expands convenience, safety and privacy of medication delivery; and Parata® PACMED improves safety with unit- and multi-dose packaging that ensures patients get the right medication at the right time, every time. To learn more, call, click or visit Parata Systems, www.parata.com, info@parata.com, 1-888-PARATA1 (727-2821), and on Facebook and Twitter at "Parata Systems."

About Pharmacy Times

Pharmacy Times is the industry's leading publication, providing practical, clinical information pharmacists can use in their everyday practices when counseling patients and interacting with physicians. Learn more at www.pharmacytimes.com, info@pharmacytimes.com or 609-716-7777 and on Facebook at "Pharmacy Times."

SOURCE Parata Systems